He who did not spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how will he not also with him freely give us all things? Romans 8:32 While we need to be content when we are in the presence too much, we also need to be content when we encounter situations which threaten … Continue reading
God wants close fellowship with each of us. Jesus pictured himself as knocking at our heart’s door, with the hope that we will open it so he can have, as it were, table fellowship with us (Revelation 3:20). But in order for fellowship to occur, there must not only be that other person with whom … Continue reading
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac … his only son; of whom God said, “In Isaac your descendants shall be called.” He considered that God is able to raise men even from the dead. Hebrews 11:17–19 When Abraham went down to Egypt to escape the famine, and sold his wife into … Continue reading
Obeying the Lord involves not only our actions but our thoughts. 2 Corinthians 10:5 commands us to “bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” We can dwell on many ideas that contradict the knowledge of God set forth in Scripture. “Cast down imaginations and every high concept that exalts itself against the … Continue reading
To those who conquer their inclination to participate in the feasts and fornications of their culture, I will give some of the hidden manna, and a white stone on which will be written a new name that no one can understand except the one who receives it. Revelation 2:17 The passions and pleasures of our … Continue reading
Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets, that the one who reads it may run. For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal, and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay. Habakkuk 2:2–3 Sometimes God assures … Continue reading
Paul’s sole objective was to work so that people’s faith in the Lord might develop and make progress. In Philippians 1:25 he said, “I will again be with you so that your faith (and resulting joy) might increase.” The faith of these Philippian Christians was already quite advanced. Every time Paul remembered them, he thanked … Continue reading
“I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be my people. … I will welcome you. I will be a father to you.” Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. … Continue reading
The Bible teaches that certain attitudes of mind and heart give Satan a foothold in our lives. For example, Ephesians 4:26–27 says that to allow anger against others to persist is to give place to the devil. 2 Corinthians 10:4–5 urges us to cast down all those attitudes (“arguments”) which scorn the knowledge of God. … Continue reading
Moses said, “Meditate on these instructions day and night, so that you will be careful to do according to all that is written; for then you will make your way prosperous and have success.” Joshua 1:8 Sometimes we pay attention to the last words of great people—especially if they are old—hoping to hear a snippet … Continue reading